Brian Perry Civil (BPC) has called on Firth to supply concrete for the foundations of 105, 30 to 50m-high tower pylons for Transpowers new 40km-long 220kV transmission line near Taupo. The line will extend from Wairakei to Whakamaru and will give greater capacity for transferring energy generated from new geothermal power stations in the area.
BPC has been working on 125km of access tracks leading from public roads through 25 different farmland properties to provide access to the pylon sites.
Two different types of foundations are being built depending on the specific conditions at each site: bored piles, or pad and pedestal units. “We are supplying about 50-60m3 a day most days for BPC,” said Tony Hurunui, Plant Supervisor (Taupo/Tokoroa) for Firth. “The volumes of concrete going into the foundations vary depending on the site. It’s been pretty regular for about four months now.”
“Jon Hambling, Firth’s National Technical Manager, has been a great help devising concrete brews to satisfy a demanding product specification in trying conditions, says Daniel Hautler Construction Manager for Brian Perry Civil. “There is also very good communication between our Project Engineer, Forman and the Tony Hurunui from Firth which keeps the wheels turning on a daily basis.”